What is Korembi? The ed-tech startup revolutionizing endangered language learning?

Serenaty Winn
4 min readNov 30, 2023

Welcome to Korembi, the groundbreaking platform dedicated to preserving endangered languages. In a world where an estimated 7,000 languages are spoken globally, the disheartening reality is that 41% of them are endangered, amounting to approximately 2,900 languages that may remain unfamiliar to many. Annually, nine of these languages face the tragic fate of extinction, erased from the collective memory of humanity, succumbing to the pervasive force of cultural assimilation.

At Korembi, we believe that languages are not merely modes of communication; they are invaluable facets of our anthropological and linguistic heritage. Laden with cultural philosophy, intellectual wealth, and the essence of diverse human experiences, languages embody the soul of our collective existence. Our mission is clear: to prevent the extinction of nine languages each year by actively engaging in the art of teaching.

Our unique methodology is a representation to our commitment to language preservation. We strategically engage native speakers from developing countries, employing them as linguistic ambassadors to bridge the gap between their linguistic heritage and students in the United States. This direct interaction becomes a conduit for the exchange of not just language but also cultural nuances and traditions, breathing vitality into endangered languages.

Expanding our footprint, we are in the process of extending our services to the U.S. government, collaborating with language and foreign intelligence services as a foreign language service contractor. This strategic partnership reflects our dedication to making a global impact on linguistic preservation.

To further solidify our global presence, we aspire to establish an office in India. This formalized location will serve as a hub for our passionate educators to operate seamlessly, creating a structured environment for the perpetuation of linguistic heritage.

At the core of our mission is the empowerment of indigenous communities through education, steering away from the looming threat of extinction. We achieve this by offering scholarships, showcasing opportunities through various channels such as YouTube, podcasts, and articles, and actively raising funds to preserve endangered languages. Our technological advancements, including our groundbreaking Language Learning Model (LLM) KGPT and interactive live learning courses, play a pivotal role in realizing this vision.

But our commitment extends beyond language preservation. Korembi stands at the forefront of challenging stereotypes and providing official representation for underserved or marginalized communities that face discrimination and exploitation. We are driven by a dual passion for endangered languages and social justice, recognizing the interconnectedness of linguistic diversity and societal equality.

Our vision for Korembi transcends the realm of language learning — it is a commitment to being a beacon of change. We aspire to break down barriers and foster collaboration for the betterment of society. At Korembi, we are not just advocates of endangered languages; we are champions of social justice. With this vision, we aim to be the most successful philanthropic language learning institution, leveraging the power of collaboration to create positive societal transformations.

Our impact has been recognized on multiple fronts. We are proud to share that we have been accepted into the prestigious Millennium Fellowship at Gulf Coast University. Additionally, we are set to present our transformative ideas to the Naples Council of World Affairs, showcasing the significance of our mission on a global stage.

Our dedication to language preservation has led us to engage with influential organizations, including representatives from the National Science Foundation regarding their endangered language programs. We’ve collaborated with cohorts associated with critical language scholarship, Fulbright, and Boren awards, amplifying our network and influence in the sphere of linguistic preservation.

The journey at Korembi spans three years, during which we have garnered support through two stages of startup funding. Currently, we are actively participating in another competition to raise funds for the enhancement of our beta course, KGPT. KGPT stands as a revolutionary Language Model (LLM) that tailors course content to users’ learning styles, focusing on a selection of endangered languages close to our hearts.

As we stand on the brink of a new chapter, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our podcast, Beta 3.0, and a Kickstarter campaign in January. This marks the next step in our commitment to revitalizing endangered languages and making linguistic diversity a celebrated part of our global heritage. Join us in this transformative journey, where each podcast episode and every contribution takes us one step closer to preserving the linguistic treasures that define our shared human narrative. Together, we can ensure that no language is left behind.

How can you help?

Follow our page and learn a language! We develop highly specialized courses that are taught by native speakers with a Bachelors Degree or higher in English Communication.

If you are interested in teaching, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/un9kiK4gY83vsdo69

If you want to learn more, visit our website:

Korembi: Learn Endangered Languages Virtually from Teachers in Developing Countries

Connect with us: hrkorembi@gmail.com

Thank you for reading!

#LanguagePreservation #CulturalHeritage #KickstarterCampaign

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